India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
